CASE IN POINT

Here is an example of what search engine optimization can do for you in site rankings. The resort business is an early adopter with internet bookings accounting for over 80% of resort marketing returns. If you search on Google for "Ontario resort" it will return over 2 million competing sites.

The top ten look like this:

#1 Resorts Ontario
#2 Resorts Ontario
#3 Ogopogo Resort
#4 Wigamog Inn
#5 Viamede Resort
#6 Delawana
#7 Ern Bids
#8 Resorts in Ontario 4 Sale
#9 Clevelands House
#10 Dir7.com

First Page SEO has optimized every resort (and Resorts Ontario) on the first page with the exception of Delawana. Now not every resort can make the first page with Google nor should every property expect to. For some properties the Ontario market is too wide and they may be at a better advantage to go after regional markets or a niche market suited for their business.

In some cases it makes sense to focus on activity based placement. Every property is different and therefore different placement strategies apply. That's why it's so important that which ever search engine optimization service you hire, you want to be sure they are going to take the time to understand your business, your marketing channels, your competitors and most of all your wisdom in conveying where your customers traditionally come from - be it by venue eg. hiking, gourmet dining etc, or by geography eg. Muskoka, Ontario etc. or by the types of people eg. romantic couples, honeymooners etc. or by facility eg. county inn, housekeeping cottages. One thing is for sure what works best for one property is not necessarily the niche of others.

Often the operators gut instincts regarding the "who are your customers" question is the first step to helping improve your web site positioning. If your web site marketer isn't asking you some of these questions then you have to question, how well do they understand your business? And how well do they represent you in the competitive arena of search engine marketing?

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